Fort George Island near Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Kingsley Plantation

Freedom and Slavery

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 26, 2010

1. Kingsley Plantation Marker

Inscription. In the spring of 1814, Zephaniah Kingsley relocated his family to this sea island plantation. Over the next two decades he developed his controversial views on race, society, and slavery.

Kingsley was a successful businessman who had strong opinions about how to maximize his profit through the management of his slaves.

"...they [slaves] will, without grumbling, and with very little corporal punishment, perform a great deal of valuable labor in a year, and with profit and satisfaction to the owner, who, if prudent, soon find himself in easy circumstances..."
Zephaniah Kingsley, 1829

Zephaniah Kingsley used the task system, common to sea island plantations, in which each slave was given a specific daily task. Despite working under harsh conditions, slaves not only persevered, but were able to maintain strong family bonds and blend African cultures with those of the New World.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.

Location. 30° 26.342′ N, 81° 26.245′ W. Marker is near Jacksonville, Florida, in Duval County. It is

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on Fort George Island. Marker can be reached from Palmetto Avenue, 2.1 miles north of Fort George Road, on the right when traveling north. This historical marker is located in a national park. The historical marker is in a very remote area that is reached by traveling a considerable distance on an unpaved dirt road. To get there one must turn north, off of the Florida State Route 1A (Heckscher Road), onto Fort George Road, and then traveling about 0.6 miles to the intersection of Fort George Road and Palmetto Avenue, were you turn north on Palmetto Avenue and travel to the end of this road to reach the historical marker. The turn-off from state route 1A can be identified by the "Kingsley Plantation, Fort George Island Visitor Center" sign that is situated right at the turnoff point. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville FL 32226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Plantation Slavery (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Kingsley Plantation (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Kingsley Plantation (a few steps from this marker); Plantation Crops (within shouting distance of this marker); Task System (within shouting distance of this marker); Slaves Cabins (within shouting distance of this marker); Looking Back

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 26, 2010

2. Kingsley Plantation Marker

View of historical marker in foreground and one of the plantation outbuildings in the background.

(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Looking Back (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.

Also see . . .
1. Kingsley Plantation. This is a link to information provided by the National Park Service. (Submitted on February 2, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

2. Kingsley Plantation. This is a link to information provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Submitted on February 2, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Kingsley Plantation image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 26, 2010

3. Kingsley Plantation

View of the plantation owner's residential buildings.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,208 times since then and 266 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.